Sitzender Mann mit ausgebreiteten Armen (Segensgestus_) 

This drawing of a seated man with outstretched arms was made by Ventura Salimbeni using red chalk. Red chalk is interesting because it invites softness. You get the impression of careful modeling, building up tone to create form, particularly evident in the drapery. Look closely, and you will see that the lines aren't particularly definite, but smudged to give form and shadow. This wasn't a quick sketch, but a study of a figure. The very traditional technique speaks to the social context of this artwork as a preparatory sketch for a fresco or painting. The lines are strong and confident, as you might expect of a highly skilled artist. Ultimately, the materiality and process used here show us how drawings like this have been traditionally conceived as a means to an end, rather than as works of art in themselves.